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Coalition Gives Green Light to Road Upgrade

A Coalition Government would provide $500,000 in funding for a long-awaited road upgrade to ease traffic congestion and improve public safety in Blackburn North, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, announced today.

Ms Bishop joined the Liberal Candidate for Deakin, Michael Sukkar, and Liberal Senator for Victoria, Helen Kroger, to make the funding announcement for the intersection of Surrey and Junction Roads.

“Our candidate for Deakin, Michael Sukkar, has been fighting to secure funding and I am pleased to announce today that, if the Coalition is elected on September 7, this traffic black spot in Blackburn North will be fixed,” Ms Bishop said.

“The Coalition has already committed $1.5 billion to build the East-West Link to ease congestion because we want Deakin families to spend more time together and less time stuck in traffic. Today’s funding announcement reaffirms this.

“As part of a united Coalition team, Mr Sukkar is working hard to deliver crucial infrastructure projects that will improve the lives of the people living and working here in Deakin.”

Mr Sukkar said he had worked closely with local residents, businesses and Whitehorse Council on plans to install traffic lights at the congested intersection.

““This intersection has been the cause of frustration for many years for local residents who have raised it with me repeatedly,” he said.

“The volume of traffic in the area has increased significantly, with commuters using Surrey Road to access the Eastern Freeway and young families moving into the area for the good local schools.

“Installing traffic lights will reduce the time it takes local residents to get to and from work, make the school run quicker for parents and, most importantly, it will make the intersection a lot safer for drivers and pedestrians.

“Unlike Mike Symon and the Labor Government, I strongly believe that improving local roads is a priority and I will continue to work with the community to deliver modern infrastructure if I am fortunate enough to be elected to represent Deakin.”